Davao City, Philippines — The Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) announced on Thursday, December 12, 2024, the arrival of 500 metric tons of rice donated by Taiwan to assist areas in the Davao Region impacted by recent calamities.
The donation, aimed at helping residents of provinces affected by severe flooding earlier this year, was delivered through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Davao Region.
This contribution is part of a larger donation of 2,000 metric tons of rice provided by Taiwan through the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines. The rice shipment arrived in Davao last week and marks another significant gesture of goodwill from Taiwan to the region.
In a press conference held at a hotel on Magallanes Street, MECO Chair and Permanent Representative Cheloy E. Velicaria-Garafil expressed heartfelt gratitude to Taiwan and TECO for their unwavering support.
“We wish to reiterate our profound gratitude to TECO and the people of Taiwan for this generous assistance to the people of Davao who were victims of previous calamities and unfortunate economic circumstances,” Garafil stated.
She further highlighted Taiwan’s consistent aid to Davao, noting that in addition to last year’s donation of 2,000 metric tons of rice, non-food items were also sent to the region last month to assist those affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
Representative Wallace Minn-Gan Chow of TECO commended the resilience of Filipinos and reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to supporting the Philippines in times of need.
“We are doubly thankful to TECO, and our dear friend and my counterpart Representative Chow, for untiringly standing beside us in these most trying times,” Garafil said.
Garafil also emphasized how the donation underscores the strong ties between the Philippines and Taiwan.
“This is a measure of the strength of the friendship between our people and the people of Taiwan, unceasing especially in times of great challenges to our country and people,” she added.
The latest aid from Taiwan reinforces its role as a reliable partner for the Philippines, particularly during emergencies and economic hardships, showcasing the depth of bilateral relations between the two nations.